Key Takeaways
- Fruit flies are attracted to fermenting fruit and vegetables, food particles, and grime in sink drains, and trash cans.
- A homemade spray with lemongrass essential oil can repel them or kill them if sprayed directly.
- The best way to control fruit flies is to eliminate their food sources and use a trap.
Fruit flies can be found anywhere there are overripe fruits and vegetables, dirty sink drains, or food “slime” in trash cans. It feels like they will never go away because the reproductive potential of fruit flies is enormous.
Learn how to make a DIY spray to help repel fruit flies while you work to get rid of the foods they love.
Homemade Spray for Killing Fruit Flies
Since the most bothersome fruit flies are those that invade your home, you want a spray that is safe while still being effective. With just two ingredients—water and lemongrass essential oil—you can help control the pests as you get rid of what is attracting them.
You will need 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil per two ounces of water, a microwave, a new spray bottle, and a label.
- Heat the water in a microwaveable measuring cup until it is near boiling. This will help the essential oils disperse throughout the water.
- Carefully pour the water into the spray bottle.
- Add 10 drops of lemongrass essential oil per every 2 ounces of water (8 ounces of water = 40 drops).
- Close the bottle and shake well. Label it clearly and shake the bottle well before every use.
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Why It Works
Lemongrass oil has a pungent odor that fruit flies, gnats, and mosquitoes avoid. If the spray hits the fruit flies directly, it will kill them by effectively drowning them.
If sprayed on areas like countertops where fruit flies have been seen, they will avoid the area. This gives you time to get rid of the foods that are attracting the flies and thoroughly clean sinks and trash cans.
Where to Use Your DIY Fruit Fly Spray
The spray can be used on kitchen counters, sinks, trash cans, and even on your skin. Do not spray directly on the face to avoid irritation or on clothing to avoid stains. The spray should not be used on fruits and vegetables or around open flames.
More DIY Methods to Manage Fruit Flies
The best fruit fly management is prevention and trapping, so that as the flies are caught they have less hospitable environments around them to populate.
Proper Food Storage
One of the easiest ways to get rid of fruit flies is to dispose of overripe, decaying fruit and produce. Store fruits and vegetables in closed containers or in the refrigerator.
Thorough Cleaning
Dirty sink drains (including those in a bathroom), trash cans, and dirty, damp mops are all breeding grounds for fruit flies. Clean these areas regularly with hot, soapy water to kill fruit fly eggs and larvae.
Be sure to rinse out soda and beer cans, wine bottles, and food containers before adding them to the recycling bin.
Make a Fruit Fly Trap
Since vinegar gives off the same odor as fermenting produce, make a fruit fly trap for an easy, hands-off way to kill the pests. Pour a small amount of apple cider vinegar (or wine) into a glass or dish and add a few drops of dishwashing liquid. The flies are attracted to the scent, swoop in for a drink, and drown because the dish soap cuts the surface tension.
FAQ
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Yes, making a trap with a small amount of apple cider vinegar and a few drops of Dawn soap in a small bowl or glass will kill fruit flies.
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Yes, rubbing alcohol sprayed or poured directly on the fruit flies will kill the adults, larvae, and eggs. However, rubbing alcohol placed in a trap will not attract flies.
